Yara’s question hit me sideways. I hadn’t dared let my mind go there.


    I hadn’t dared to entertain such a thought,


    I mean, I saw him copse, heard the doctor say the surgery didn’t work, and yeah, I even held his


    ashes. That’s as final as it gets.


    Material ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Sure, I’ve dreamed about himing back. But those were just desperate little fantasies.


    Life isn’t some cheesy movie. Hayden died. End of story. No rewrites, no miracles. I hated it, but the


    truth didn’t care about my feelings.


    “I wish he wasn’t,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.


    “Then why are you here, grilling me if you’ve already made peace with it?” Yara shot back.


    I studied her for a moment. “Because something feels off,” I said finally.


    Her eyes narrowed. “What exactly feels off?”


    “The Hart family’s reaction doesn’t add up. And you…” I paused, narrowing my eyes at her. “You’re


    way too calm. Not even a little wrecked–that’s what feels off.”


    Yara didn’t even blink. “Who says I’m not devastated?” she replied tly. “But being heartbroken


    won’t bring him back.”


    Fair point. I’d told myself the same thing a hundred times just to keep going.


    “Anything else bothering you?” she asked


    There was. But the words stuck in my throat. It was all just a hunch–nothing I could pin down.


    When I stayed quiet, Yara pulled a slip of paper from her bag and slid it across the table. “This is for


    you.”


    I frowned. “What is it?”


    “Take a look,” she said, nodding toward it.


    Unfolding the paper, I stared at the words contusion twisting into something heavier


    Yara broke the silence. “The ring was ready months ago. The jeweler tried calling Hayden, but when


    he didn’t pick up, they teached out to me to collect it


    “Why not just grab it yourself? Why are you showing me this now? Trying to mess with me?” I


    barked out a bitterugh.


    Yara let out a short, humorlessugh of her own. “What would I even do with it? It’s not for me. That


    ring was always for you. I was just there to keep people from asking questions. If you don’t believe


    me, check the size. Or better, read the engraving–it’s got both yourst names.”


    I froze, stunned.


    Yara pressed her lips together before adding, “You must’ve hated me when you thought I was


    picking it out for myself.”


    She wasn’t wrong. Back then, just the thought of it had gutted me.


    ? “He went through so much to keep you safe, Rea. Every step, every decision–he made it for


    you. And in the end, it cost him his life,” she said, her voice wistful.


    The ache in my chest sharpened. I looked down at the paper again, the weight of it suffocating.


    Words wouldn’te.


    Yara’s gaze flicked to my wrist. “Nice bracelet. The design’s really something.”


    I ignored herment, but Yaraughed anyway. “That red string you’ve tied on it–it’s hideous.”


    She was talking about the sp I’d rigged with a cheap red cord. The bracelet Hayden had made


    was unfinished, missing its sp.


    I flicked the tiny bell on the bracelet, its soft chime filling the silence, then turned and walked away


    without a word.


    At the jewelry store, I handed over the slip of paper. The clerk disappeared for a moment, then


    returned with a pair of rings. My breath hitched as I stared at


    Mueves drifted to the bracelet on my wrist–the designs were identical.


    I didn’t even need to check the engraving inside the bands. These rings were made for Hayden and


    me. There was no doubt.


    “Would you like to try it on, Miss? If the size isn’t right, we can adjust it,” the clerk offered gently.


    I picked up the woman’s ring and slid it on to my middle finger. It fit perfectly.